Local skateboarders are mobilizing to push for a new skatepark in Victoria.
Vic West Park, built in 1992, was to the excitement of local skateboarders, but that doesnB次元官网网址檛 negate the need for additional parks in other parts of the city, says a local skateboarding group.
The Crystal Pool area and Topaz Park are being eyed as potential sites for another B次元官网网址渁ll wheelsB次元官网网址� park in the city.
Coun. Jeremy Loveday is on board with the skateboardersB次元官网网址� pitch for a second location. He forwarded a motion last month asking city staff to report on the implications of including a new skatepark in the 2018 budget. He said heB次元官网网址檚 been working with residents, youth, skateboarders and advocates to find another location in the eastern part of the city for young people to practice the sport safely.
B次元官网网址淭here has been an ever-increasing need for places for people to go and do these activities. If you look at Vic West and the youth park there, it is well-used and well-loved,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淪kateboarding is going to be in the 2020 Olympics, and thatB次元官网网址檚 going to bring skateboarding as a sport to the forefront.B次元官网网址�
RELATED:
Loveday added that youth are currently skateboarding and riding scooters on the street in Quadra Village on Kings Road, which can often be unsafe.
Building a second location at Topaz Park would give them a place to play off the streets.
Jimmy Miller, head of the the Victoria Skateboard Association, has been skateboarding almost 30 years. He said those who enjoy the sport B次元官网网址� youth in particular B次元官网网址� would benefit from a second location. B次元官网网址淭his skatepark is so busy in the summer months,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淚 think itB次元官网网址檚 time with the expansion of Victoria and the urban densification to get more amenities closer to kids that need them.B次元官网网址�
He thinks young people enjoy the sport because of the adrenaline and the endorphins, but there are other reasons it can be rewarding.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 that sense of conquering something,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淪ometimes itB次元官网网址檚 the smallest turn, or the most technical trick. EverybodyB次元官网网址檚 has their own kind of take on it.B次元官网网址�
RELATED:
Wynn Campbell was at the park Tuesday evening watching her nine-year-old son ride his scooter. She said going to the skatepark is a good opportunity for him to learn from other kids, and he enjoys the challenge. A skatepark in Topaz Park would be closer to where she lives and more convenient.
B次元官网网址淭he more [skateparks] the better,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a fun activity and itB次元官网网址檚 just more opportunities for kids to be active.B次元官网网址�
The region currently has four skateparks, one each in Victoria, Esquimalt, Oak Bay and Gordon Head.
